This week on Forgotten Cinema, the Mikes revisit "Reindeer Games" (2000), a late-90s/early-2000s crime thriller that lands squarely in the “fine, but flawed” category.

Both Butler and Field agree the movie is watchable, but just barely. The plot quickly starts to unravel, relying on Ben Affleck's character, Rudy and our villain, played by Gary Sinise, to make a series of frustratingly dumb decisions. The central twist involving the true mastermind only makes things worse, hinging on an absurd amount of coincidence and lucky timing to work at all.

That said, the performances help keep the film afloat, and the sheer ridiculousness of the story becomes part of its charm. The noir-inspired style, snowy setting, and hard-boiled attitude actually work in the film’s favor, giving it a vibe that’s more enjoyable than the script probably deserves.

So while "Reindeer Games" never quite comes together as a smart thriller, it remains a curious, messy entry from its era that’s easy enough to watch if your expectations are set appropriately.

What's your favorite holiday action/thriller (that isn't "Die Hard")? Let us know in the comments!

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0:00 - Introduction

4:02 - Film Facts

8:24 - Film Discussion

31:28 - Reviews

33:07 - Who Would You Recommend This To?

36:44 - Why Is This Forgotten?

39:50 - Plugs

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